In the human body, fascia is a type of connective tissue made up of thin films of tissue that surround and encase skeletal muscle fibers. Fascia promotes smooth movement by enabling one muscle or muscle fiber to move independently from neighboring tissues. Deep fascia in the back and limbs is made of dense sheets of connective tissue with large numbers of collagen fibers. Deep fascia serves to contain and separate groups of muscles into well-defined spaces called compartments, integrating them and transmitting loads between them.
The dominant cells in fascia are fibroblasts — cells that are able to communicate with each other through gap junctions, and respond to shape changes when tissue is stretched. During wound healing, fibroblasts take on the characteristics of smooth muscle cells, becoming myofibroblasts, with contractile properties that help close a wound. In areas where ligaments, tendons and joint capsules attach to bony structures, connective tissue often flares out to better grip the bone, with fascia linking those tissues to neighboring structures.
When fascia becomes damaged or dysfunctional due to overuse or injury, it can have a profound impact on muscle function. Myofascial decompression therapy is designed to heal and rejuvenate muscle fascia, promoting improved muscle function and performance.
Uses of myofascial cupping therapy include:
- Breaking up adhesions and scar tissue
- Reducing the formation of scar tissue
- Increasing blood flow to muscles and connective tissue to promote healing
- Decreasing muscle and fascia tightness
- Releasing trigger points
- Decreasing myofascial dysfunction
During a cupping session, your therapist will place round glass or plastic domes over the affected area. Using a hand pump, air is suctioned out, creating a vacuum. The vacuum draws the skin and soft tissues upward, creating a negative pressure that is the opposite of massage therapy. As superficial tissues are lifted, deep facia tissues receive more blood, reducing stiffness and promoting healing.
Cupping is able to stimulate acupressure points, creating a similar effect to acupuncture. Bruising is an inherent side effect of cupping therapy, leaving dark purplish-red marks that gradually fade over the course of several days or weeks.
The physical therapy team at NYDNR has advanced training in myofascial decompression techniques. Athletes, physically active patients, and patients who have undergone certain types of trauma or surgery can all benefit from cupping therapy.
Myofascial decompression is particularly effective for several conditions, including:
Cupping therapy should be followed up by neuromuscular re-education, to restore functional movement patterns that were formerly constricted by damaged fascial tissue. DNS (dynamic neuromuscular stabilization) therapy may be useful in the re-education process.
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